PRIZE DUE FOR OSCARS
PAUL NICHOLLS’ yard has hit overdrive in no uncertain terms in the last couple of weeks and his promising young chaser OSCARS MOONSHINE (1.00) can continue the good work in the feature MansionBet Limited Novices Handicap Chase at Exeter today.
A hugely progressive handicap hurdler last term, the six-year-old seemed to flounder in the deep ground at Newton Abbot on his debut off a career-high mark of 122.
However, chasing was always going to be the game for this scopey individual and word has it that he has schooled brilliantly at Ditcheat.
With more improvement to come over fences, his handicap mark could prove lenient and he can make the most of the 4lbs that he is set to receive from Gosheven, SO SAID I (1.30, nap) has been crying out for a proper test of stamina and finally gets the chance to gallop her rivals into the ground in the mares’ novice hurdle.
The selection has a 7lb pull with her Stratford conqueror, Gazette Bourgeoise, for a five-length beating but the combination of this better ground, over extra yardage on a stiffer track, should see her reverse the placings. Stablemate KILLER KANE (2.30) rates the other outstanding bet on the Devon card now that he reverts to the minimum trip.
Jumping well in the main first time out at Carlisle, the combination of two-and-ahalf miles and deep ground found him out at the Cumbrian track.
I fancy Brendon Powell will let him loose from the outset here and gallop his three rivals into the ground.
Let’s go for the outsider jugular in a huge-field handicap hurdle finale in the form of GETAWAY
CORY (3.30).
The lack of a change of gear has been his failing over shorter of late but an end-to-end gallop around this stiff track over 2m5f should be right up his street and this bay gelding could spring a surprise at the main expense of Sehayli and In Rem.
Following an outstanding Cheltenham last week, the Skelton clan return to their beloved Uttoxeter and open up the card successfully with GAIA DU GOUET (12.10).
A wide-margin winner of his only start in an Irish point to point, he has impressed his trainer with his recent schooling and gets the nod over Jonjo’s Walk In My Shoes.
Later on, have a second look at